On Tuesday, November 26, 2024, at the Aula Magna in Via Libetta, first and second-year students of the Film Arts course had the opportunity to meet a distinguished guest: Taye Balogun, filmmaker, activist, and director of the The NGO International Film Festival. During the event, Balogun presented and screened “Camp 32,” the opening film of the recent edition of the festival held in Melbourne.
“Camp 32” tells a powerful and touching story about the genocide in Cambodia, addressing themes such as immigration—one of the main focuses of this year’s festival—alongside ecological protection and indigenous knowledge. The documentary provides an intense and timely perspective on global issues that impact our society.
The event was enriched by the participation of the documentary’s protagonist, who joined via Zoom from Australia. Taye Balogun introduced the film and offered a unique perspective on his work as a filmmaker and activist. The event, attended by professors Marianna Cappi and Fabio Mollo, represented an unmissable opportunity for Film Arts students to engage with an internationally renowned professional and delve into themes related to cinema as a tool for advocacy and change.
Who is Taye Balogun
Taye Balogun has directed seven feature films and numerous television commercials, collaborating with prominent organizations such as the United Nations, Amnesty International, Save The Children, and Oxfam International. His career is marked by advocacy campaigns on crucial issues such as climate change, gender rights, climate justice, and quality education. Balogun is a firm believer in art as a tool for social change and has been invited to teach at prestigious universities such as Harvard, Howard, and Georgetown.
Watch the trailer of CAMPUS 32